09/03/2026
Springfield, Mo. – On Sept. 2, 2026, at 10:48 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at Kearney and Benton.
27-year-old Kayle Moore, from Springfield, was driving a 2013 Chevy Traverse eastbound on Kearney. Moore turned left into a business in the 400 block of E. Kearney and crossed into the path of 25-year-old Marquis Starks, from Springfield, who was driving westbound in a 2008 Mercedes-Benz. Moore and Starks were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The passenger in the Chevy Traverse, 34-year-old Tesia Ta, from Springfield, was transported to the hospital where she later died. Ta’s family has been notified.
While the circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation, speeding and impairment by Starks are suspected factors. Anyone with information should contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.
This was Springfield’s 12th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2026, which resulted in 13 deaths.
# # #
Case number: 26-25386
Media Contact: PAO Cris Swaters
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by Lt. Steve Schwind
